When it comes to achieving stunning, professional-quality prints, most people focus on printers, inks, or resolution settings, but one crucial factor often gets overlooked: your inkjet printing paper. The quality, weight, and thickness of the paper you choose can dramatically influence how your final prints look and feel. Whether you’re using an inkjet printer to print business documents or creative artwork, your paper determines everything from color accuracy to ink absorption.
Heavier or thicker paper may seem “premium,” but does it always guarantee better prints? Not necessarily. And that’s exactly what we’re here to explore.
In this guide, we’ll break down how paper weight and thickness affect printing performance, why they matter for inkjet printers specifically, and how you can choose the perfect paper for your projects.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding Paper Weight and Thickness
Before we explore how weight and thickness impact print performance, let’s get clear on what these terms actually mean.
Paper Weight
Paper weight refers to how heavy a sheet of paper is—typically measured in gsm (grams per square meter). The higher the GSM, the heavier and usually thicker the paper feels. For example:
- 70–100 GSM → Standard A4 printer paper
- 120–180 GSM → Lightweight brochure or flyer paper
- 200–300+ GSM → Premium photo paper or card stock
Paper Thickness
Paper thickness is measured in microns (µm) or points (pt). While weight and thickness often correlate, two papers with the same weight may differ in thickness due to coating and fiber density.
Why It Matters
Inkjet printing paper varies widely, matte, glossy, satin, fine-art, coated, and uncoated. Brands like Epson, Innova, Korejet, and Olmec each manufacture specialized inkjet papers with different coatings and thickness profiles tailored for photography, graphics, or everyday printing.
Understanding these metrics helps you match your inkjet printer settings, ink type, and project needs with the right paper, ensuring color accuracy, smooth feeding, and superior output quality.
How Paper Weight Affects Printing Performance
Before we get into the details, ask yourself: Have you ever printed something that looked too dull, too wet, or too flimsy? Chances are, paper weight played a major role.
1. Ink Absorption & Bleed Control
Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of ink onto the paper. Lightweight paper (70–100 GSM) absorbs ink quickly, which can lead to:
- Unwanted feathering
- Muted colors
- Slight paper warping
Heavier paper (180–300+ GSM), especially those with specialized coatings like on Epson or Olmec photo paper, absorbs ink more evenly—producing richer colors, better contrast, and crisp detail.
2. Handling and Feeding
Printers “grab” paper using rollers. Lightweight printing paper feeds easily, but extremely heavy or textured paper may require:
- Manual rear feeding
- Adjusted print settings
- Slower print speeds
Some inkjet printer models handle 300 GSM paper effortlessly, while others may struggle, causing misfeeds or jams.
3. Print Sharpness
Heavier papers maintain better structure during printing. They resist bending under ink saturation, resulting in:
- Sharper lines
- More precise details
- Higher resolution output
Example:
- 100 GSM A4 printer paper → Good for office documents, but not ideal for photos.
- 250 GSM glossy photo paper → Excellent for high-resolution photography.
Paper weight is the backbone of print quality—choose wisely for the type of output you want.
How Paper Thickness Affects Printing Performance
Now, let’s explore thickness another major factor in print quality. Imagine printing on thin newspaper versus thick cardstock. The experience (and the result) is completely different.
1. Stiffness & Durability
Thicker paper feels more premium and holds up better when handled. This matters for prints like:
- Certificates
- Photo albums
- Art reproductions
- Posters & displays
Thicker inkjet media from brands like Innova or Korejet is designed to remain flat even with heavy ink coverage from your inkjet printer.
2. Print Finish & Texture
Paper thickness and coating also influence finish:
- Gloss paper → Sharp, vibrant, photo-lab look
- Matte paper → Smooth, non-reflective, artistic
- Fine-art textured paper → Adds depth to prints
These finishes behave differently depending on thickness. For example, thicker matte photo papers absorb ink gradually, producing soft gradients and painterly effects.
3. Compatibility with Inkjet Printers
Not every inkjet printer handles thick paper well. Ultra-thick papers (300–350 gsm) may require special settings or rear feeding. Thinner paper prints faster and works better for bulk printing—but at the cost of durability and quality.
Example:
- 170 GSM matte paper → Great for graphic prints and posters
- 300 GSM textured fine-art paper → Best for gallery-quality artwork
Finding the right thickness helps balance print quality, durability, and printer compatibility.
Choosing the Right Paper Weight and Thickness
Choosing the right inkjet printing paper is easier when you match weight and thickness with your project’s purpose. Let’s walk through it together.
1. Printing Technique
Since your focus is on inkjet printing, stick to specially coated inkjet papers designed for:
- Smooth ink absorption
- Fast drying
- High resolution
- Accurate color reproduction
Uncoated or offset papers won’t deliver the same clarity.
2. Intended Use
Here’s a quick guide:
- Everyday office documents → 70–100 GSM A4 printer paper
- Flyers & brochures → 120–170 GSM matte/gloss
- Photo printing → 200–300 GSM glossy or semi-gloss
- Art prints → 250–350 GSM fine-art textured papers
- Business cards → 300+ GSM thick matte paper
3. Budget Considerations
Heavier, premium coated papers cost more, but they dramatically improve print appearance and durability. If you’re printing for clients, photography portfolios, or exhibits, the upgrade is worth it.
Example:
If you’re printing photos, a 260 GSM glossy paper from brands like Epson or Olmec will outperform any lightweight alternative using your inkjet printer.
Choosing the right weight and thickness is simply matching the output you want to the paper designed for it.
Best Practices for Working with Paper Weight and Thickness
Before we wrap up, here are some friendly, practical tips to help you get the best results with your inkjet printing paper.
1. Adjust Printer Settings
Always select the correct paper type in your inkjet printer menu. This adjusts:
- Ink levels
- Drying time
- Print speed
- Roller pressure
2. Use the Correct Feed Tray
Thicker papers often require rear feeding to prevent bending or internal friction.
3. Store Paper Properly
Humidity affects paper thickness and ink behavior. Store papers in a cool, dry place, especially fine-art and glossy papers.
4. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t print high-ink designs on thin paper
- Don’t use unsupported paper thickness
- Don’t mix different paper types in the same print job
5. Troubleshooting Tips
- Smudges → Check drying time or switch to coated paper
- Misfeeds → Use thicker, stiffer paper or adjust tray settings
- Dull colors → Try glossy or semi-gloss photo paper for better vibrancy
These simple practices ensure consistent, professional-quality results.
FAQs
1. Does using higher GSM inkjet printing paper improve print quality?
Higher GSM inkjet printing paper can give prints a more durable feel and richer colors, but the coating and your inkjet printer’s compatibility are just as important for the best results.
2. What type of paper works best with an inkjet printer?
Inkjet-specific coated papers like matte, glossy, or fine-art papers give the best print quality.
3. Where can I buy high-quality inkjet printing paper?
Kepler Tech LLC, authorized inkjet paper and media suppliers in Dubai, offers premium inkjet papers from trusted brands like Epson, Innova, Korejet, and Olmec.
4. Why do some papers cause smudging?
This often happens with non-inkjet-coated paper or paper that absorbs ink too quickly.
5. Which paper finish gives the sharpest prints?
Gloss and semi-gloss finishes typically offer the highest sharpness, vibrancy, and clarity.
Conclusion
Paper weight and thickness play a crucial role in the quality, durability, and overall performance of your prints. Whether you’re printing artwork, business documents, or promotional materials using an inkjet printer, choosing the right inkjet printing paper ensures accurate colors, clean details, and a professional finish.
By understanding how GSM, thickness, coating, and finish affect ink behavior, you can make confident decisions and achieve consistently beautiful results across all your printing projects.
If you’re based in the UAE and looking for reliable, high-quality inkjet media, Kepler Tech, authorized inkjet paper suppliers in Dubai across the UAE, offers a wide range of professional inkjet printing papers, including popular brands like Epson, Innova, Korejet, and Olmec. As one of the leading authorized inkjet media suppliers in Dubai, we provide consistent quality and expert support for all your printing needs.